Yukari Kashihara was born in Osaka, Japan. From a very young age she began her artful journey-- by drawing, sketching, & crafting to express herself. Art became the outlet for sharing her joy, devotion, & passion! Her interest in ceramics was introduced by her father who loved and appreciated pottery. Since she was young, her father accompanied her to ceramics galleries and shops quite often. These experiences throughout her childhood built the foundation for her aesthetics. She received a Master of Fine Arts in ceramics from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2003. She currently works as a professional, full-time artist, producing work at her studio in Rocheport, Missouri.